International Perfusion Association

Day: April 7, 2024

Online Education

Examining Online International Health Professions Education: A Mixed Methods Review of Barriers, Facilitators, and Early Outcomes

This study explores the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering Cardiovascular Perfusion education online to international students. Through mixed methods, barriers and facilitators to online health professions education were identified, informing the development of a novel online Extracorporeal Science (ECS) program. The first semester’s outcomes showed no significant difference in student performance or satisfaction compared to traditional in-person programs, highlighting the potential of online education to equalize access to healthcare education globally. The findings suggest that, with careful planning and incorporation of student feedback, online international education can achieve outcomes comparable to those of conventional programs.

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Valve Suction

Development of Endocavitary Suction Device for MiECC on Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

This paper introduces a new endocavitary suction device designed to enhance minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) systems during mitral valve surgeries. By reducing blood contact with air and foreign surfaces, it aims to diminish the inflammatory response and improve biocompatibility. The device, coupled with the MiECC technique in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS), addresses limitations in endo-cavitary aspiration, aiming to eliminate gaseous micro-embolic activity and hemolysis while adjusting CO2 levels. This innovation could revolutionize cardiac chamber surgery by facilitating safer, less invasive procedures, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

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Heart HGB

Haemoglobin Thresholds for Transfusion: How Are We Doing in the Era of Choosing Wisely? A Retrospective Cohort Study

This retrospective cohort study examines red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices at a Swiss university hospital from 2012 to 2019, in line with the Choosing Wisely initiative’s recommended haemoglobin thresholds. It reveals a trend towards more restrictive transfusion practices, with mean pretransfusion haemoglobin levels decreasing over the years. The study also found a significant reduction in potentially inadequate transfusions, indicating adherence to guidelines. Key risk factors for potentially inadequate transfusions include older age, surgical procedures, and chronic conditions. The increase in single RBC unit transfusions suggests a shift towards efficiency and caution in transfusion practices, aligning with the initiative’s goals to improve patient care and outcomes.

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